Seven confirmed cases of Hepatitis A in Vale of Glamorgan as school children vaccinated
Health officials say symptoms can include feeling tired, fever, stomach pain and yellowing of the skin, but children often avoid serious illness
Public Health Wales is investigating an outbreak of seven confirmed cases of Hepatitis A in the Vale of Glamorgan.
The outbreak was declared after the infection spread beyond an initial cluster of five cases, prompting vaccination sessions in schools in Penarth and Barry.
The two new cases are not among children attending these schools but have direct links to the original cluster of cases.
Public Health Wales is collaborating with Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and the environmental health team at Shared Regulatory Services Wales to manage the outbreak and advise close contacts of the affected individuals.
Dr Rhianwen Stiff, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control for Public Health Wales, stated that all confirmed patients are connected to one another, with no current evidence suggesting a wider public health risk.
Hepatitis A is a viral infection that can lead to flu-like symptoms or gastrointestinal disturbances.
Though typically unpleasant, the illness is not usually severe, and most people recover fully within a few months.
Children may experience only mild symptoms or none at all.
Dr Stiff emphasised the importance of good hygiene practices to prevent the spread of infection, particularly hand washing after using the toilet and before handling food.
Symptoms of Hepatitis A can include flu-like ailments such as tiredness, general aches, headaches, and fever.
Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, jaundice, dark urine, and itchy skin may also occur.
Anyone with health concerns should contact their GP or NHS Direct Wales for advice.